Baseline evaluation
Baseline evaluation consisted in the evaluation of IT theoretical
knowledge and practical skills.
Theoretical knowledge evaluation: healthcare professionals were asked
to fill-in a written test which included 8 questions regarding MDI IT
(see Appendix I). Each correct answer scored 1 point, up to a total of
8 points.
Practical skills evaluation: participants were asked to perform IT
with space chamber and facemask and with a space chamber with
mouthpiece (with apnea). IT with a space chamber and facemask was to
be performed with a mannequin. In the case of IT with a space chamber
and mouthpiece, they were asked to perform IT themselves.
Evaluators fulfilled a checklist with the steps to be accomplished: 7
steps if facemask was used in addition to spacer and 10 steps if only
spacer with mouthpiece was used (Table 1). Each step of the checklist
performed correctly scored 1 point. Failing to perform any one of these
steps or not performing IT according to patients’ age was evaluated as
an inadequate technique.
Additionally, demographic information was recorded: age, professional
category, years of experience in PED, asthmatic personal background,
previous specific IT training and if they modified IT in their daily
practice.